Connor Jessup, 22, is a Canadian actor, best known for his role as Ben Mason on TNT’s Falling Skies. In 2012, Jessup’s performance in Blackbird earned him a “Rising Star” accolade, and he was later named one of Variety’s “Actors to Watch”. (Getty)

Adele Is Music Biz Artist of the Year

The Music Business Association (Music Biz) has announced that Adele is its Artist of the Year. The record-breaking Pop superstar will be honored on Thursday, May 18, during the Music Biz 2017 convention’s Awards Luncheon at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel in Nashville. Her latest album, 25, was the first ever to sell more than 3 million copies in a single week (3.38 million total in traditional sales), blowing past the 15-year record previously held by NSYNC’s No Strings Attached. It was also the first album to sell more than 1 million copies in multiple weeks since Nielsen began tracking sales in 1991, with 1.11 million traditional sales in its second week and 1.15 million in its holiday-bolstered fifth week. 25 has since been certified Diamond for 10 million in sales by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), with the album and its single “Hello” earning Adele five GRAMMY Awards at this year’s 59th annual ceremony, including Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Pop Vocal Album, and Best Pop Solo Performance.

“Adele is a once-in-a-lifetime talent who has clearly struck an indelible chord with music fans all around the world,” said James Donio, President of Music Biz. “Her accomplishments are unprecedented, from the record-shattering success of 25, to the glowing reviews and sold-out audiences for her massive world tour, to her Emmy-nominated TV special Adele Live in New York City. We are beyond thrilled to have her join the ranks of past Artist of the Year Award winners Little Big Town, Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, Coldplay, and Green Day.”